The world's population continues to grow. today we are 7,9 bilhões spread across the globe, almost double what we were 40 years ago. According to a report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN), in the next 20 years about 2 billion people should be born, making the Earth an even fuller planet. Let's see which are the 20 most populous countries in 2023.
1. China
Population in 2023: 1,44 billion
About 1 out of every 7 people in the world is Chinese! Because of the crazy population growth, the government imposed a policy of only 1 child per couple. Consequence: the population is getting very old and there is a lack of women, because families prefer to have male children. Currently, couples with only children can have 2 children.
2. India
Population in 2023: 1,4 billion
India's population keeps growing! It is estimated that by 2027 India will rise to the 1st position on this list, overtaking China. If you think traffic in São Paulo is crazy, traffic in Mumbai is much worse. And woe betide anyone who hits a cow… The majority of the population is Hindu and, in that religion, cows are sacred.
3. United States of America
Population in 2023: 334 million
It seems that half the world wants to live in the United States! A good part of the growth of the American population is due to immigration. The country has a large number of Latin American and Asian immigrants. Americans have one thing in common with Brazilians: they both love pizza!
4. Indonesia
Population in 2023: 279 million
The largest Muslim country in the world is located in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is also the country with the most islands in the world (over 17!), home to the world's largest lizard (the Komodo dragon) and the world's largest flower. The country was visited by Marco Polo in the Middle Ages (but no one in Europe believed him).
5. pakistan
Population in 2023: 229 million
For those who like heights, Pakistan has the 2nd highest mountain in the world, K-2. Some of the world's oldest civilizations arose in Pakistan, and the country remains a highly populated place. Currently, it is known for being the home country of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
6. Nigeria
Population in 2023: 216 million
There is no other African country with more inhabitants than Nigeria. Nigerians smile a lot, produce a lot of movies and have a lot of kids! The country has its version of Hollywood, called Nollywood, which produces more films than the American giant. Nigeria's official language is English, but it also has hundreds of different tribes and languages.
7. Brazil
Population in 2023: 213 million
Brazil and Nigeria dispute the 6th position among the most populous countries in the world. According to the latest data released by the World Population Review, our country is the 7th with the highest number of people. A large part of the population lives in the four largest cities in the country: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Brasília. But now it has become fashionable to have fewer children, so the population is growing more slowly.
8.Bangladesh
Population in 2023: 167 million
There is not much space in Bangladesh. Sandwiched between much larger countries like India and China, Bangladesh has so many people that they almost live on top of each other! The capital, Daka, is one of the largest cities in the world. The country is a major export clothing manufacturer.
9. Russia
Population in 2023: 145 million
Yeah, Russia has a lot of people but it also has a lot of space. It is the greatest country in the world! Even with many inhabitants, Russia has several regions practically uninhabited. And it's easy to understand why. The climate in Siberia is extremely cold and the Trans-Siberian railway takes several days to cross the country.
10. México
Population in 2023: 131 million
Mexico recently overtook Japan as the 10th country with the most people in the world. Most of the population comes from miscegenation between descendants of indigenous peoples, such as the Aztecs, and descendants of Spaniards. The result: a very interesting culture, which combines Aztec pyramids and Catholic churches, chorizo and chili peppers!
11. Japan
Population in 2023: 125 million
Land of sushi, manga and anime, Japan is also known for its population problems. Unlike most countries on this list, Japan's population is rapidly decreasing. A large part of the population is elderly and younger people do not have many children. Still, Japan has a lot of people and Tokyo is the biggest city in the world.
Find out here which are the largest countries in the world by territory
12. Ethiopia
Population in 2023: 120 million
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Ethiopia has a very rich culture. The country is a historic center of Christianity and Islam and has an ancient Jewish community. The Rastafari movement grew out of the belief that an Ethiopian emperor was the incarnation of Jesus. And, if you like Indiana Jones, there are those who say that the Ark of the Covenant is kept in Ethiopia...
13 Philippines
Population in 2023: 112 million
The Philippines is made up of thousands of islands, but many are uninhabited. One out of every 4 people in the Philippines lives in Metro Manila, which is one of the largest cities in the world. (
